Seasonal variations of specific IgE concentrations to Betula verrucosa allergen, Bet v

Aim: to investigate seasonal diff erences in concentrations of total IgE (tIgE), specific IgE to birch allergen Bet v, and index of specific IgE (I-sIgE) in children with hypersensitivity to birch allergen Bet v. Methods: Children with asthma and/or rhinitis (N=19) sensitive to birch allergen Bet v. Concentrations of tIgE and sIgE to Bet v were determined by the use of standardized UniCAP-fl uoroimmunoassay method. Also, I-sIgE was calculated. Selected biomarkers were determined during the birch pollen season (from March to June) and out of season (during October). Results: During the birch pollen season, concentration of sIgE to Bet v was [M(IQR) = 33.9(7.2-130.3) kIUA/L], and out of season [M(IQR) = 5 (2.3-32.7) kIUA/L], p = 0.005. At the same time neither tIgE nor I-sIgE were statistically diff erent. During the pollen season, the largest concentrations of tIgE (1378 kIU/L) and sIgE (942 kIUA/L) was found in the child with asthma and rhinitis, also sensitive to grass, ragweed and hazel allergens. I-sIgE was 0.68. Out of season uIgE was 146 kIU/L, sIgE to Bet v 46 kIUA/L, and I-sIgE 0.31. Conclusions: For precise interpretation of tIgE, sIgE to Bet v and I-sIgE blood samples should be taken during the pollen season.

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